Thursday, February 02, 2012

RIP "ROCKY RIDGE" July 3, 2002- February 2, 2012It's hard to believe that you're not here little man. It was just yesterday you followed me to the door to say good bye as I headed off to work. Never in a million years did I think it would be your last day on earth.You brought a smile to my face each and everyday. I always knew you came first in the morning. You always made sure to wake me by 7am so you could eat. And you loved food and your runs & walks. You came into my life when I wasn't looking or wanting another dog after Oskar past on. But some 12 months later Mike Palmer sent a picture of you to me. I saw you and thought he is sooo freaking cute. We went to that horrible place you were living at the small breed dog rescue in Berkley. It was a messy place the yard was trashed. I was ready to turn around when I drove up to the place. I called out to the lady Rosie who meant well, and had several small dogs she was trying to adopt out. She opened up the trailer door and out came 5 yapping little dogs. You had the biggest bark and ran right to me. We bonded right then and there. I looked into your eyes and fell in love. You melted my heart.It took a few weeks to actually get you and I almost gave up because I thought she was running a scam when she never took you in to get neutered. Mike came to the rescue and we found out she had some mental issue, but she meant well. Mike picked you up took you to get fixed. You came to my house right before Christmas of 2003. You were gentle and loving. You were such an adventurous dog.The firstmonth you spent time in Joshua tree and by spring you were hanging with the climbers in Yosemite. You made trips to Tuolumne and Tahoe. You were living the good life thats for sure.Last year you even spent time in Lone Pine and camped up at Horseshoe meadow. You have been on so many trails in your life ,you have logged thousands of miles on those short little legs.Everyone loves you Rocky. How could you not with a face and body like that.

Today my heart is broken into thousands of pieces. I am not sure why it was your time, but it was. You went fast and I know you didn't suffer. You wanted for me to be with you and then you quietly past on to heaven.

You touched so many peoples lives, and you even brought people back together. Just like when me and your Dada broke up for 3 months it was you who in the end got us back together, where we all lived as a happy little family. You were lucky to travel to Sierra Madre and live in Fremont.You were lucky to have people like Jerry and Mike in your life who always kept you safe when I traveled. I called you my little dog but the reality is you were a lot of peoples little dog.You were and will always be my Popo ,and I will always be the Momo and Andy the Dada.For whatever reason God needed you now. I am hurt and angery and don't understand why. Because I need you now. I am lost without you and it HURTS so bad. You weren't suppose to leave me now!! I had to many adventures planned for our future.I don't have you now, to take out on your runs, or wake up to feed you. I don't have you there to give me kisses for good luck before races. I am so lost and hurt and I just want the pain to stop. Dada and I are so sad.

I just hope you as my angel, will guide and show me the way. I love you POPO Rocky Ridge.In time my heart will come back together. I will always keep you in that special place in my heart ,where you will live forever. Each night I will stare into the sky and look for the brightest star and then I will know you are watching me and taking care of me from above.Thank you little guy for teaching me how to "Live Life, Love Life" I love you today, tomorrow & forever "Popo"

38 comments:

Oh, sweet Rocky. That cute face of his made me smile every time his photo popped up in my facebook feed. He was lucky to get to live such an adventurous life with you, he was certainly a beloved dog. Happy trails, little buddy. <3

My heart aches for you and Andy, Catra. I only had the great pleasure of meeting Rocky one time, ironically at Rocky Ridge, his namesake. He made an impact on me that day, as I'm sure he did everywhere he went. My most sincere condolences, and even a few tears go out to you and Andy. May God heal your hearts in time, but never let you forget the joy he brought to this world.

My heart breaks for you. My friend led me to your blog. He told me about your Rocky and I just had to log in and read. I am a true animal lover (no kids). I recently lost my Lovebird that fly into my life from the wild when I needed her most. I lost her suddenly. I, like you, am angry, confused and hurt. She was six ounces of fierceness. I have other rescue animals, but she found me. My heart reaches out to you. Donna

oh, Catra, i am so sorry for your loss. it is so hard to lose a dog, because of the unconditional love that they give and receive. they are truly the best companions ever. i hope you are able to find comfort in the memories that you have of your adventures with Rocky Ridge. what a wonderful, energetic, unique dog he was. peace and hugs to you.

I am so sorry for your loss. I was in disbelief today when I learned of your sadness while running trails with friends today. My heart truly breaks for you even though I know you mostly through your blog and didn't have the honor of knowing Rocky. I lost my "Daisy Dog," August 2010. I know it's so, so hard now. But eventually your tears will turn to smiles and laughter remembering Rocky. My prayers are with you and Andy.

Sorry to hear about Rocky. My son Andrew who loved to pet Rocky on your walks by my house is sad as well am I. RIP Rocky. You are over in the heavens above Mission Peak protecting all of us . You will always be remembered as one cute and great dog.

Oh no... I'm so sorry for that Rocky is gone now.There is absolutely no comfort for that, it's always so incredibly sad.I'm really sad that he's gone. You two were so cute together.And he looked like such a good dog (and he still does).Why can we just have our dogs for such a little time?Sending good thoughts to you <3

Catra,I lost my beautiful, Sierra, in Jan. 2011. It broke my heart into a thousand pieces also. I subscribe to the philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism, & believe in the concept of impermanence of all things. Our furry angels, like us, are a beautiful, fleeting wave, on the ocean of consciousness; allowing us to bask in their form & love for but a brief moment in time. I'm honored to have been Sierra's custodian, as I feel honored now to be Tallon & Anok's. They are beacons of unconditional love & compassion in this world. May we all strive to be more like them, & may your heart be at piece with the love you experienced (& beautiful trail miles)from dear Rocky. Sending you all my love, & deepest condolences...xoxoxoxo

I came across this piece years ago when my golden retriever "Sam" died at the age of 13. Lord Byron had this inscribed on a monument to his Newfoundland, "Boatswain". I think it is one of the most beautiful and accurate descriptions I have ever read about a dog:

"Near this spotAre deposited the Remains of oneWho possessed Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence,Courage without Ferocity,And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.This Praise, which would be unmeaning FlatteryIf inscribed over human ashes,Is but a just tribute to the Memory ofBOATSWAIN, a Dog,Who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803,And died at Newstead Abbey, Nov. 18, 1808."

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Rocky Ridge

It's all about Ultrarunning

I love my life.

I am an Ultrarunner. I love to run, my favorite distance is 100 miles. My running takes me to many beautiful places. Life is too short to sit around.
I collect tattoos. I have over 50 tattoos.
I have been clean and sober for 17 years.